Bird Description

Fairly common and widespread, particularly as you go e. In summer, found on marshy ponds and streams with trees available for nesting. In winter, more often in coastal harbors, and on marshes, ponds and creeks. Usually in small groups but often gather to roost in large flocks at favored location. Mobile and often seen in distinctive flight: slim but compact with very fast shallow wingbeats. ID: Clearly the smallest merganser. Crest opens like a Victorian fan. Long tail often held cocked. Females, eclipse males (retain gray coverts), and juvs have brown overall appearance. Young males develop dark around eye, white in crest, and black bill through winter. Adult at 1 year old. Adult male striking with funky crest often spread.